by Amelia Bines

Created on: January 10, 2009

Victoria Stilwell and Cesar Millan are currently two of the most popular dog trainers in America, if not in the world. Both of them have their own tried and true methods of training and controlling Man's Best Friend. When deciding which one to call, it is important to understand the slight differences in their methods.

Victoria Stilwell is a well respected dog trainer while Cesar Millan is considered a dog behaviorist. There is a vast difference in these two titles.

Stilwell, like most dog trainers, often uses distracting tools and reward systems to influence a dog's behavior. For instance, if your dog is overly excited or aggressive when he sees other dogs, Stilwell's approach would likely be to wave food in front of your canine's nose in hopes that he will choose to pay attention to food over fighting with a dog. Repetition can eventually lead your dog to wait for treats when he sees other dogs, rather than go after them.

Millan's method is quite different in such a circumstance. Instead of distracting your dog from other dogs while on a walk, Cesar would most likely bring your problem pooch right to the other dog and correct each and every moment of aggression or anxiety. The exercise would not be considered complete until your dog can sit calmly in the presence of other dogs. Repetition of these types of methods result in a dog that is actually rehabilitated of his dog problems, not simply distracted. This is the reason Cesar Millan's number would be kept on my speed-dial, rather than Stilwell's.

Cesar's general method consists of all humans being all dog's leaders. If all humans acted in ways that brought balance to their dogs, we would have far less problems with dogs that are out of control. From first hand experience with dog rescue and "training," I know far too well how many problems we humans create in our dogs. Millan's methods of getting back to nature, back to basics, and back in touch with our energy are sure fire ways of getting any dog to follow you willingly - no treats required.

Once methods like those taught by Cesar Millan rehabilitate unwanted behaviors from dogs, then I believe training tools like those from Ms. Stilwell can be quite useful. However, there is no training method that can break a dog from aggression, fear, obsession, or any number of very serious and unwanted behaviors. To rid a dog of these things, it takes a leader with a calm energy. It takes behavior rehabilitation, not dog training.

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